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Newcastle’s striker will provide danger vs. his former club on Saturday

By Carson A Merk

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Dwight Gayle of Crystal Palace celebrates his second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace v Stoke City at Selhurst Park on May 7, 2016 in London. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Dwight Gayle of Crystal Palace celebrates his second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace v Stoke City at Selhurst Park on May 7, 2016 in London. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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Dwight Gayle could create some chances for Newcastle United against Palace on Saturday.

With Joelinton struggling for goals, rumors are swirling that Steve Bruce could turn over the starting spot at striker to a player returning from injury. Dwight Gayle featured last for Newcastle United against Wolves on January 11th. The striker registered an assist on Miguel Almiron’s early goal in the 1-1 draw before he left with an injury. Now, he could get a chance to score against his former club, Crystal Palace.

Gayle played for Palace from 2013 to 2016, when he signed with the Magpies. In just under 75 matches, he scored 25 goals and registered three assists. While those aren’t elite numbers by any means, he was still in his early 20s and was playing in the top flight for the first time. Gayle is familiar with Selhurst Park from his time playing for the Eagles and in the two matches there as a visitor. The 30-year-old should also be motivated to prove his worth to either Steve Bruce or another club that may want to make a move for him this summer.

Is Gayle going to be a lethal option up top like he is in the Championship? No. But, he provides pace and a different dimension than Joelinton. He can’t hold up the ball like the Brazilian, but he can combine with Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin and run in behind. Crystal Palace are tied for sixth-fewest goals conceded this season and the Magpies will need their best in the attack. For Steve Bruce, Dwight Gayle may be his most potent option up top.